US4836352A - Express package collection locker - Google Patents

Express package collection locker Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US4836352A
US4836352A US07/181,714 US18171488A US4836352A US 4836352 A US4836352 A US 4836352A US 18171488 A US18171488 A US 18171488A US 4836352 A US4836352 A US 4836352A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
package
portage
locker
boxes
box
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US07/181,714
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kunio Tateno
Yoshio Shimotori
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KOTO ELECTRONICS Co Ltd 603-2 HIGASHIUSHIGAYA SOWA-MACHI SASHIMA-GUN IBARAKI-KEN JAPAN A CORP OF JAPAN
U P L Co Ltd 6-13-30 EKIMINAMI-CHO OYAMA-SHI TOCHIGI-KEN JAPAN A CORP OF JAPAN
UPL CO Ltd
KOTO ELECTRONICS CO Ltd
Original Assignee
UPL CO Ltd
KOTO ELECTRONICS CO Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by UPL CO Ltd, KOTO ELECTRONICS CO Ltd filed Critical UPL CO Ltd
Assigned to U P L COMPANY LIMITED., 6-13-30, EKIMINAMI-CHO, OYAMA-SHI, TOCHIGI-KEN, JAPAN A CORP. OF JAPAN, KOTO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., 603-2, HIGASHIUSHIGAYA, SOWA-MACHI, SASHIMA-GUN, IBARAKI-KEN, JAPAN A CORP. OF JAPAN reassignment U P L COMPANY LIMITED., 6-13-30, EKIMINAMI-CHO, OYAMA-SHI, TOCHIGI-KEN, JAPAN A CORP. OF JAPAN ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: SHIMOTORI, YOSHIO, TATENO, KUNIO
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US4836352A publication Critical patent/US4836352A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/26—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for printing, stamping, franking, typing or teleprinting apparatus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/10—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property
    • G07F17/12—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned
    • G07F17/13—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned the containers being a postal pick-up locker

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an express package collection locker which looks like a coin locker and can automatically weigh packages and/or measure the dimensions thereof, calculate the portages of the packages from the weight and/or dimensions and destination of the packages, and store the packages until they are sent to a collection and delivery center.
  • the portage of an express package is calculated from the weight, dimensions, and destination of the package.
  • people take their packages to merchandise stores which offers package-collecting service.
  • the clerks of the stores weigh the packages and, if necessary, measure the dimensions thereof, and calculate the portages from the weights, dimensions, and destination of the packages, in accordance with the portage chart given by the delivery company specialized in delivering express packages.
  • the system is also disadvantageous to the delivery company.
  • the delivery-collect men drive their trucks to deliver packages to the receivers and collect packages at the merchandise stores at prescribed times. More often than not, there are no packages waiting at the stores, in which case the delivery company suffers from a loss in terms of labor cost.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an express package collection locker which can serve 24 hours a day, and can automatically calculate the portages of packages to the minute degree in accordance with the weight and/or dimensions and destination thereof, and store the packages until they are sent to a collection and delivery center.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an express package collection locker which can automatically calculate the portages of packages from the weight and/or dimensions and destination thereof, store the packages until they are sent to a collection and delivery center, and automatically transmit messages to an express collection and delivery center, indicating the receipt of express packages and the weights and/or dimensions thereof, thereby to help to achieve an efficient collection of express packages.
  • an express package collection locker capable of calculating the portage fees of packages
  • the locker comprising a plurality of boxes for storing packages, each having a door, a plurality of weight-measuring means incorporated within the boxes, respectively, for weighing the packages stored in the boxes, destination-input means for inputting data representing destinations of the packages stored in the boxes, portage-fee calculating means for calculating portage fees of each of the packages stored in the boxes, in accordance with the weight of the package measured by the weight-measuring means and the destination input by operating the destination-input means, display means for displaying the portage fee calculated by the portage-fee calculating means and instructions as to how to use the locker, detector means for detecting whether the portage fee has been paid into the locker, locking means for locking the door of the box when the detector means detects that the portage fee has been paid for the package stored in the box, and voucher-issuing means for printing and issuing a voucher when the detector means detects that
  • an express package collection locker capable of calculating the portage fees of packages
  • the locker comprising a plurality of boxes for storing packages, each having a door, a plurality of size-measuring means incorporated within the boxes, respectively, for measuring the sizes of the packages stored in the boxes, destination-input means for inputting data representing destinations of the packages stored in the boxes, portage-fee calculating means for calculating portags fees of each of the packages stored in the boxes, in accordance with the size of the package measured by the size-measuring means and the destination input by operating the destination-input means, display means for displaying the portage-fee calculated by the portage-fee calculating means and instructions as to how to use the locker, detector means for detecting whether the portage fee has been paid into the locker, locking means for locking the door of the box when the detector means detects that the portage has been paid for the package stored in the box, and voucher-issuing means for printing and issuing a voucher when the
  • an express package collection locker capable of calculating the portage fees of packages, to be installed against a building with its front facing outward and its rear exposed to said building, the locker comprising a box for storing a package, weight-measuring means incorporated within the box, for weighing the package placed in the box, destination-input means for inputting data representing the destination of the package placed in the box, portage-fee calculating means for calculating portages fees of the package placed in the box, in accordance with the weight of the package measured by the weight-measuring means and the destination input by operating the destination-input means, display means for displaying the portage fee calculated by the portage-fee calculating means and instructions as to how to use the locker, detector means for detecting whether the portage has been paid into the locker, package-moving means for moving the package inside of said bulding from the box, and voucher-issuing means for printing and issuing a voucher when the detector means detects that the portage fee
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of an express package collection locker according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the U.S. map displayed on a CRT display, indicating the delivery districts;
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the components of the locker shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E are flow charts explaining the operation of the locker shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the operation instructions displayed by the CRT display.
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B are a perspective view and a side view of an express package collection locker according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows the outer appearance of express package collection locker 10 according to the present invention.
  • This locker can automatically calculate the portage fees of the packages stored in it.
  • Locker 10 comprises a plurality of boxes 12, 14-inch CRT display 14, and control device 16. Boxes 12 are divided into two groups. CRT display 14 and control device 16 are interposed between two groups of boxes 12, with CRT display 14 mounted on control device 16.
  • Locker 10 further comprises optical-fiber cable 18 connected to collection and delivery center 20, and, if needed, antenna 22 for transmitting radio signals to center 20. Needless to say, locker 10 has a power-supply cable (not shown) connected to a power source (not shown, either).
  • Express package collection locker 10 is installed in a merchandise store which offers a package-collecting service. An ID number has been assigned to locker 10, so that locker 10 can be identified before necessary data is exchanged between it and collection and delivery center 20.
  • Each of boxes 12 has a door, a green lamp 24, a red lamp 26. Both lamps 24 and 26, which are, for example, light-emitting diodes, are located beside the door. When red lamp 26 emits light, it is thereby indicated that box 12 is filled, and when green lamp 24 emits light, it is thereby indicated that box 12 is empty. Green lamp 24 functions as a push button.
  • a weight-measuring device such as an electrostatic capacitance meter or a semiconductor weight sensor 54, shown schematically in FIG. 3, is incorporated inside each box 12 such as Box No. 1. If necessary, dimension sensors also shown schematically in FIG. 3,--. for detecting the dimensions (width, height, and depth), i.e.
  • measuring the size of a package can also be incorporated inside each box 12, so that the portage fee of the package can be calculated from the sensed dimensions alone.
  • all boxes 12 are the same size and the portage fee is determined from the sizes of the packages placed therein.
  • a lock mechanism (not shown) is incorporated in each of boxes 12, for locking the door of the box.
  • a handle 28 is attached to the door of each box 12.
  • the ID number of the box is printed or painted on handle 28.
  • boxes 12 can have different sizes such as Box Nos. 14 and 15. If this is the case, different portage rates are set in accordance with the sizes of boxes 12; the larger the box, the higher the portage rate. Thus, in other words, in this second embodiment, all boxes 12 have different sizes and the portage fee is determined from the size of the box into which the package is placed. Therefore, it is important that small packages be placed only in small boxes. Necessarily, large packages can be placed only in large boxes because of the impossibility of their fitting into small boxes.
  • CRT display 14 is used for displaying operation instructions, the portage fee for the package to be sent, and other data items.
  • operation instructions is "Insert Money Equivalent to the Portage Fee.”
  • CRT display 14 continually displays a prescribed demonstration message.
  • two output devices other than CRT display 14 are incorporated in express package collection locker 10.
  • One of them is a voucher printer for printing a voucher (or a receipt) to be issued to the person who has placed his or her package in one of boxes 12 and paid the required portage fee.
  • the other is a journal printer for printing the particulars of items within each package stored in collection locker 10.
  • Control device 16 includes console panel 30 which has destination buttons 301 and cancel button 302.
  • Device 16 has coin slot 32, note-insertion slit 34, and card-insertion slit 36. If further has paid-sum display 38 for displaying the amount of money inserted into device 16, a change dispenser (not shown), and change pocket 40. Still further, control device 16 has voucher pocket 42 and speaker 44. The individual, who has placed a package on one of boxes 12 and has paid an amount of money greater than the portage fee, will receive the change from pocket 40. Any individual, who has placed a package on one of boxes 12 and duly paid the required portage fee, will receive the voucher from pocket 42. Speaker 44 outputs audio operating instructions.
  • a main controller And an interface device are incorporated in control device 16.
  • the main controller comprises a microcomputer for calculating the portage fees of the packages and controlling the other components of locker 10.
  • the interface device is used to transfer data from the main controller to collection and delivery center 20.
  • Label box 46 is located below control device 16 and contains a number of label forms which individuals, who wish to send packages, fill in and then paste into the packages.
  • Baggage box 48 is located below label box 46, for temporarily storing a baggage while the owner of the baggage is operating control device 16, filling in the label form, and carrying out other activities things in accordance with the operation instructions given by CRT display 14 and speaker 44.
  • Table 50 which can be pushed into, and pulled out of, control device 16, is located below destination buttons 301. This table 50 can be used when filling out the label forms.
  • console panel 30 has twelve destination buttons 301 which correspond to twelve destination regions within the United States, and one of the twelve destination regions can be selected for the package by pushing one of these twelve buttons 301.
  • panel 30 can have less destination buttons, in which case larger regions, such as the South-East, the Middle, the North-West, etc., can be selected.
  • panel 30 can have more destination buttons, and a destination which corresponds to one of the fifty-one States can be specified for the package.
  • CRT display 14 displays a map of the United States divided into twelve regions; A through K. Destination buttons 301 are labeled "A" to "K", respectively, and twelve plates 52 are attached to panel 30, right above buttons 301, respectively.
  • Each plate 52 displays the States contained with in the regions which are to be selected from buttons 301 right below the plate. Therefore, a package sender can refer to both the map displayed by CRT display 14 and plates 52, when selecting and pushing one of buttons 301 to designate the destination of his/her express package.
  • destination buttons 301 can be replaced by a touch-screen showing a map of the United States, in which case the package sender can designate the destination of the package, by merely touching the portion of the screen which corresponds to the destination.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the components of express package collection locker 10.
  • the pulse signals output by weight sensor 54 and dimensions sensor 56, both arranged within each box 12, are supplied to multiplexers 58 and 60, respectively.
  • the pulse signal output by weight sensor 54 has a peak value corresponding to the weight of the package placed in box 12.
  • the pulse signal output by dimensions sensor 56 has a peak value corresponding to the size of the package.
  • Main controller 62 supplies a selection signal to multiplexers 58 and 60. In response to the selection signal, multiplexers 58 and 60 sample the pulse signals supplied from sensors 54 and 56, respectively, and output data items representing the weight and size of the package. These data items are input to main controller 62.
  • Driver 66, lamp driver 68, and detector 70 are incorporated in each of boxes 12.
  • Driver 66 is designed to drive lock mechanism 64 which is also provided within the box for locking the door of box 12.
  • Lamp driver 68 causes green lamp 24 and red lamp 26 to blink.
  • Detector 70 detects whether green lamp 24, which functions as a push button, is depressed.
  • Driver 66, lamp driver 68, and detector 70 are connected to main controller 62.
  • Main controller 62 has a memory storing the different portage rates for the destination regions.
  • Two transaction controllers 72 and 74 are connected to main controller 62.
  • Coin recognition device 76 and note recognition device 78 are connected to first transaction controller 72.
  • Coin recognition device 76 can recognize the denomination of any coin inserted into control device 16 through coin slot 32.
  • Note recognition device 78 can recognize the denomination of any note inserted into control device 16 through note-insertion slit 34.
  • devices 76 and 78 are coordinated to determine the amount of money inserted into control device 16.
  • Paid-sum display 38 displays the amount determined by devices 76 and 78.
  • Display 38 has, for example, a plurality of 7-segment lamps.
  • Change dispenser 80 is connected to first transaction controller 72.
  • Change dispenser 80 is designed to dispense change to change pocket 42 and to return the inserted money to pocket 40 when cancel button 302 is pushed.
  • Card reader/writer 82 and paid-sum display 38 are coupled to second transaction controller 74.
  • Card reader/writer 82 is used to read the recorded data balance of a prepaid card inserted in card-insertion slit 36. The balance thus read from the prepaid card is displayed by paid-sum display 38.
  • Display controller 84, voice controller 86, printer drivers 92 and 94, and interface 98 are connected to main controller 62.
  • Display controller 84 is used to control CRT display 14.
  • Voice controller 86 is provided for controlling speaker 44.
  • Printer driver 92 drives voucher printer 88, and printer driver 94 drives journal printer 90.
  • Interface 98 is coupled to optical-fiber cable 18 and transmitter 96, so that the data items representing various facts, e.g., the placing of a package in one of boxes 12, are supplied from main controller 62 to collection and delivery center 20 via cable 18 or transmitter 96.
  • a response device (not shown), which is used is responding to a telephone inquiry made from center 20 concerning whether or not packages have been placed in locker 10, can be connected to main controller 62.
  • FIG. 4A through FIG. 4E are flow charts explaining the operation of express package collection locker 10 which has been described above. The operation of locker 10 will now be described with reference to these flow charts.
  • step S10 main controller 62 causes lamp drivers 68, which are incorporated in boxes 12, to turn off red lamps 26 and turn on green lamps 24. Then, in step S14, main controller 62 gives a locking instruction to drivers 66 incorporated in boxes 12. In accordance with this instruction, drivers 66 drives lock mechanisms 64, whereby mechanisms 64 lock the doors of boxes 12.
  • main controller 62 gives a demonstration message-display instruction to display controller 84.
  • controller 84 causes CRT display 14 to display the prescribed demonstration message and then the operation instructions, in step S16.
  • main controller 62 determines if coins, notes, or a prepaid card has been inserted into control device 16. Until either coins, notes, or a prepaid card is inserted, and first transaction controller 72 or second transaction controller 74 supplies a signal, which shows that coins, notes, or a card has been inserted, to main controller 62, main controller 86 makes display controller 84 cause CRT display 14 to display the demonstration message and the operation instructions, alternatively.
  • main controller 62 Upon receipt of the signal from first transaction controller 72 or second transaction controller 74, main controller 62 gives a first message-giving instruction to display controller 84 and voice controller 86, in step S20.
  • display controller 84 causes CRT display 14 to display the message "Welcone”
  • voice controller 86 causes speaker 44 to give forth the audio message "Welcome”
  • display controller 84 causes CRT display 14 to display the message "Push ⁇ vacant ⁇ button," as is shown in FIG. 5, and voice controller 86 causes speaker 44 to give the audio message "Push ⁇ vacant ⁇ button.”
  • main controller 62 determines whether or not any detector 70 has detected the depression of green lamp 24.
  • step S22 main controller 62 determines whether or not cancel button 302 has been depressed, in step S24. If YES in step S24, main controller 62 gives a refund instruction, transaction controller 72 causes change dispenser 80 to dispense the coins and/or notes to change pocket 40. Similarly, in accordance with the refund instruction, transaction controller 74 causes card reader/writer 82 to return the prepaid card to card-insertion slit 36. Thereafter, the operation returns to step S16, whereby CRT display 14 displays the demonstration message and the operation instructions, alternately.
  • step S22 that is, if main controller 62 receives the output signal of detector 70 incorporated in any box 12, main controller 62 gives an instruction to lamp driver 68 of this box, whereby driver 68 causes green lamp 24 and red lamp 26 to blink alternatively, in step S28.
  • step S30 main controller 62 gives a lock-release instruction to the driver 66 of box 12.
  • driver 66 stops driving lock mechanism 64, thus unlocking the door of box 12.
  • step S32 main controller 62 gives a second message-giving instruction to display controller 84 and voice controller 86.
  • display controller 84 makes CRT display 14 display the message "Place your package in the selected box," as is shown in FIG. 6, and simultaneously, voice controller 86 causes speaker 44 to give forth the audio message "Place your package in the selected box.”
  • step S34 main controller 62 determines whether or not the package sender has opened the door of box 12 and placed his or her package in this box 12. If NO in step S34, main controller 62 determines, in step S36, whether or not cancel button 302 has been pushed. More specifically, when the package is placed in box 12, weight sensor 54 and dimensions sensor 56, both incorporated within this box, detect the presence of the package, whereby multiplexers 58 and 60 supply pulse signals to main controller 62. If this is the case, the operation goes to step S42. If neither multiplexer supplies a pulse signal to main controller 62, the operation proceeds to step S36.
  • step S36 that is, if cancel button 302 has been depressed, main controller 62 gives a door-lock instruction to driver 66, whereby driver 66 causes lock mechanism 64 to lock the door of box 12, in step S38.
  • step S40 main controller 62 gives an instruction to lamp driver 68.
  • lamp driver 68 causes green lamp 24 and red lamp 26 to stop blinking alternately, and only turns on green lamp 24.
  • the operation returns to step S26, whereby change dispenser 80 dispenses the money to change pocket 40, or card reader/writer 82 returns the prepaid card to card-insertion slit 36.
  • step S34 determines whether or not cancel button 302 has been pushed. If NO, then main controller 62 determines, in step S46, whether or not the door of box 12 has been closed.
  • main controller 62 determines, in step S48, whether or not the door has been closed. If YES in step S48, main controller 62 makes driver 66 cause lock mechanism 64 to lock the door in step S38.
  • step S46 that is, if the door sensor (not shown) provided at box 12 for detecting whether the door is in the closed position, has supplied an output signal to main controller 62
  • main controller 62 gives a door-lock instruction to driver 66 upon the lapse of a predetermined time period, e.g., three seconds, after the receipt of the signal from the door sensor.
  • driver 66 drives lock mechanism 64, which then locks the door of box 12, in step S50.
  • main controller 62 gives a fourth message-giving instruction to display controller 84 and voice controller 86.
  • step S54 main controller 62 determines whether or not cancel button 302 has been pushed. If NO, then controller 62 determines whether or not any one of the destination buttons 301 has been pushed, thus selecting one of the regions. If YES in step S54, that is, cancel button 302 has been pushed, main controller 62 gives a lock-release instruction to driver 66.
  • driver 66 causes lock mechanism 64 to unlock the door of box 12, in step S58. Then, the operation returns to step S48, in which main controller 62 determines whether or not the door has been closed after the removal of the package from box 12.
  • main controller 62 calculates the portage fee of the package placed in box 12, from the rate fixed for the selected region (i.e., the data item stored in the memory and representing this rate), the pulse signal output by multiplexer 58 and representing the weight of the package, and the pulse signal output by multiplexer 60 and representing the size of the package. This calculation is performed in step S59.
  • main controller 62 gives a fifth message-giving instruction to display controller 84 and voice controller 86, and also supplies the data items representative of the size of the package and the portage fee calculated in step S69.
  • display controller 84 causes CRT display 14 to display the messages "Size of package is P" and "Portage is $10 oo ,” as is illustrated in FIG. 8, and simultaneously voice controller 86 causes speaker 44 to output an audio message which is identical to the visual message given by CRT display 14.
  • main controller 62 determines, from the data supplied from first transaction controller 72 or second transaction controller 74, whether or not the money inserted into control device 16, or the balance recorded on the prepaid card inserted into device 16 is equal to or greater than the required portage fee. if NO, controller 62 gives a sixth message-giving instruction to display controller 84 and voice controller 86, in step S64. In response to this instruction, display controller 84 causes CRT display 14 to display the message "Insert more money", and voice controller 86 causes speaker 44 to give forth the audio message "Insert more money”.
  • step S66 main controller 62 determines whether or not cancel button 302 has been pushed. If NO in step S66, the controller 62 determines, in the next step S68, whether or not additional money has been inserted into control device 16. If YES in step S66, the operation returns to step S58, whereby main controller 62 gives a lock-release instruction to driver 66, and lock mechanism 64 unlocks the door of box 12.
  • step S68 determines, in step S70, whether or not the sum of this additional money and the previously inserted money, or the sum of this additional money and the balance recorded in the prepaid card is equal to or greater than the portage calculated in step S59. If NO in step S70, the operation returns to step S66. In the meantime, paid-sum display 38 displays the sum of the additional money and the previously inserted money or the sum of the additional money and the balance recorded in the card. At this time, green lamp 24 and red lamp 26 are still blinking alternately.
  • step S70 determines, in step S72, whether or not cancel button 302 has been pushed. If YES, the operation returns to step S58, whereby controller 62 gives a lock-release instruction to driver 66, and lock mechanism 64 therefore unlocks the door of box 12. If NO in step S72, main controller 62 gives a print instruction to printer driver 92 and supplies necessary data thereto.
  • Printer driver 92 causes voucher printer 88 to print the data on a length of paper tape fed from a roll, and a cutter (not shown) cuts the printed voucher from the paper tape. The voucher is supplied to voucher pocket 42. The issuing of the voucher is performed in step S74.
  • controller 62 determines whether or not the prepaid card has been inserted into control device 16. In other words, it is determined whether or not the package sender wants to pay the portage by using the prepaid card. If YES, main controller 62 supplies the data, which represents the portage, to second transaction controller 74. In step S78, second transaction controller 74 causes card reader/writer 82 to write this data in the prepaid card. The card is then returned to card-insertion slit 36.
  • step S76 determines, in step S80, whether or not changes must be given. More precisely, controller 62 compares the amount of the money inserted into control device 16 with the portage calculated in step S59. If YES, main controller 62 supplies the data representing the amount of the change, to first transaction controller 72, in step S82. Also in step S82, first transaction controller 72 controls change dispenser 82, whereby the change is dispensed to change pocket 40.
  • step S84 main controller 62 causes lamp driver 68 to stop green lamp 24 and red lamp 26 blinking alternately.
  • step S86 main controller 62 gives a seventh message-giving instruction to display controller 84 and voice controller 86.
  • display controller 84 makes CRT display 14 display "Receive voucher,” and voice controller 86 causes speaker 44 to give the audio message “Receive voucher.”
  • display controller 84 causes CRT display 14 to display the message "Thank you,” and similarly, voice controller 86 causes speaker 44 to give forth the audio message "Thank you.”
  • step S88 main controller 62 supplies the data about the package placed in box 12, to printer driver 94.
  • printer driver 94 drives journal printer 90, whereby printer 90 prints the data on journal paper.
  • step S90 main controller 62 gives a lamp-drive instruction to lamp driver 68.
  • lamp driver 68 turns on red lamp 26 only, thus indicating that the package has been placed in box 12 selected by the package sender, and that this box is occupied.
  • step S92 main controller 62 supplies the data representing that the package has been placed in locker 10, to package collection and delivery center 20 through interface 98 and optical-fiber cable 18 or transmitter 96.
  • the package thus placed in any box 12 is collected by a delivery man, who unlocks the door of the box with the master key, opens the door, takes the package out, closes the door, and locks the door.
  • red lamp 26 is automatically turned off, and green lamp 24 is automatically turned on, thus indicating that the box is vacant.
  • this express package collection locker 10' has only one box 12 located below control device 16, unlike locker 10 shown in FIG. 1.
  • Box 12 has a front door and a back door.
  • the front door is of the same type as those of boxes 12 used in the first embodiment (FIG. 1).
  • back door 98 can be opened if the portage is paid.
  • Locker 10' is installed at, for example, a merchandise store, with CRT display 14 and control device 16 exposed outdoors as is shown in FIG. 9B.
  • main controller 62 gives a lock release instruction to door driver 100 (FIG.
  • door driver 100 drives opening/closing mechanism 102 (FIG. 3), whereby back door 98 is opened.
  • main controller 62 causes display controller 84 and voice controller 86, such that CRT display 14 and speaker 44 gives the visual and audio messages "Push your package.”
  • the package sender pushes the package placed in box 12.
  • the package slides down slope 104 located inside the merchandize store.
  • TV camera 106 and videotape recorder (VTR) 108 can be installed, thus photographing every person who operates console panel 30 of control device 16 The recorded videotape can help the police to investigate the clime related to the package collected through this express package collection locker 10.
  • the locker according to the invention can be used for collecting various packages other than express packages.
  • the package collection locker according to the present invention can automatically calculate the portage for any package placed in it, to the minute degree, without causing the package sender any trouble. Since no human labor is required to operate the locker, the portage can be reduced if this locker is employed. Further, since the locker can serve every data, 24 hours a day, people can place their packages in the locker whenever they want to. Still further, since the data about any package placed in the locker is automatically transferred to the package collection and delivery center, the delivery company can perform an efficient collection and delivery operation. Moreover, the packages collected in the collection and delivery center can be automatically stored and distributed by means of a computer system in accordance with the data items about the packages, which have been transferred to the center from the lockers.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Coin-Freed Apparatuses For Hiring Articles (AREA)
  • Cash Registers Or Receiving Machines (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
  • Sheets, Magazines, And Separation Thereof (AREA)
US07/181,714 1987-04-16 1988-04-14 Express package collection locker Expired - Fee Related US4836352A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP62-91981 1987-04-16
JP62091981A JPS63257866A (ja) 1987-04-16 1987-04-16 自動運賃計量宅配ロツカ−

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US4836352A true US4836352A (en) 1989-06-06

Family

ID=14041669

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/181,714 Expired - Fee Related US4836352A (en) 1987-04-16 1988-04-14 Express package collection locker

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US4836352A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS63257866A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (88)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1990005684A1 (en) * 1988-11-23 1990-05-31 Aprex Corporation Drug dispenser having means for detecting dispensing events
EP0452190A1 (fr) * 1990-04-11 1991-10-16 Mors Système de rangement à casiers adjacents utilisé notamment dans des gares ou des aéroports
WO1992018949A1 (en) * 1991-04-10 1992-10-29 U-Ship International, Ltd. System for mailing and collecting items
EP0503311A3 (en) * 1991-03-09 1994-11-23 Francotyp Postalia Gmbh Method and device for processing mail
US5369221A (en) * 1991-04-10 1994-11-29 U-Ship, Usa, Ltd. System for mailing and collecting items
USD374966S (en) 1994-10-17 1996-10-22 Nanette Matassa Beach safe
US5586037A (en) * 1991-04-01 1996-12-17 Pi Electronics, Inc. Automated self-service mail processing and storing systems
US5656799A (en) * 1991-04-10 1997-08-12 U-Ship, Inc. Automated package shipping machine
USD419747S (en) 1999-03-22 2000-01-25 Can-Am Marketing Corporation, Inc. Cluster box unit
US6146274A (en) * 1997-11-21 2000-11-14 Aurora Gaming Cabinet and hopper combination for gaming machines including a controller and monitor for opening and closing thereof
US20010017507A1 (en) * 2000-02-28 2001-08-30 Kabushiki Kaisha Fulltime System Unlock system of particular locker
WO2001037712A3 (en) * 1999-11-24 2002-01-03 Brivo Systems Inc Method for outbound shipment of packages direct from home or office using an unattended transfer device
US20020016715A1 (en) * 2000-08-01 2002-02-07 Razumov Sergey N. Purchase check-out arrangement in retail system
US20020019783A1 (en) * 2000-08-12 2002-02-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Goods delivery system and operating method thereof
US20020032572A1 (en) * 2000-09-08 2002-03-14 Takashi Ikemori Home delivery method, home-delivery server and recording medium
US20020103724A1 (en) * 2000-12-01 2002-08-01 Stephen Huxter Courier independent system and method for the delivery of goods ordered by the internet
US20020107820A1 (en) * 2000-12-01 2002-08-08 Stephen Huxter Single courier model for the delivery of goods ordered by the internet
US6539360B1 (en) 1999-02-05 2003-03-25 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Special handling processing in a package transportation system
WO2002007021A3 (en) * 2000-07-10 2003-10-02 Bybox Holdings Ltd System and method for facilitating receipt and collection of goods ordered from online retailers
US20030191662A1 (en) * 2003-05-13 2003-10-09 Segrest Timothy Sean System and method of mailing
US6644455B2 (en) * 2000-05-12 2003-11-11 Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Rental system, machine and method for providing rental items
US20030217018A1 (en) * 2002-05-17 2003-11-20 Groff Jason J. System and method for conducting a shipping transaction
US6694221B2 (en) * 2001-10-23 2004-02-17 Dispensesource, Inc. Controlled inventory device and method using pressure transducer
KR20040027031A (ko) * 2002-09-27 2004-04-01 가부시키 가이샤 풀타임 시스템 로커 시스템 및 로커 이용 요금 청구 방법
US20040073454A1 (en) * 2002-10-10 2004-04-15 John Urquhart System and method of portal-mediated, website-based analysis of medication dosing
US20040089482A1 (en) * 1991-04-10 2004-05-13 Uship Intellectual Properties, Llc Automated package shipping machine
US6745933B2 (en) * 2002-06-05 2004-06-08 Robin G. Liphard Method for providing a pre-security depository
US20040225624A1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2004-11-11 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. System for resolving distressed shipments
US20040267640A1 (en) * 2003-06-26 2004-12-30 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Inventory management utilizing unattended pick up and return systems with a service parts facility
KR100464472B1 (ko) * 2000-02-01 2004-12-31 가부시키 가이샤 풀타임 시스템 로커에 의한 자동 결제 시스템
US20050016815A1 (en) * 1996-06-28 2005-01-27 Martin Douglas Alan Coin discrimination apparatus and method
FR2858448A1 (fr) * 2003-07-29 2005-02-04 E Box Dispositif de consigne et procede de surveillance d'un objet dans ce dispositif de consigne
US6917924B1 (en) 1991-04-10 2005-07-12 Uship Intellectual Properties, Llc Automated package shipping machine
FR2865061A1 (fr) * 2004-01-08 2005-07-15 E Box Dispositif d'affranchissement de colis et methode de mise en oeuvre d'un tel dispositif
US20050211450A1 (en) * 1999-12-06 2005-09-29 Carter Odie K System, method, and computer program for managing storage distribution of money tills
US6970855B2 (en) 2002-01-29 2005-11-29 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and system for enterprise-level unassisted customer shipping
US20060090909A1 (en) * 1999-12-06 2006-05-04 Carter Odie K System, method, and computer program for managing storage and distribution of money tills or other items
USD536155S1 (en) 2004-06-29 2007-01-30 Mikolajczyk Ryszard K Portions of central connector post and locking elements associated therewith for cluster box mail delivery receptacles
USD543335S1 (en) 2004-06-29 2007-05-22 Mikolajczyk Ryszard K Portions of master door locking components of cluster box mail delivery receptacles
USD547025S1 (en) 2004-06-29 2007-07-17 Mikolajczyk Ryszard K Exterior portions of guard assemblies for parcel door locking systems of cluster box unit mail delivery receptacles
USD549424S1 (en) 2004-06-29 2007-08-21 Mikolajczyk Ryszard K Upper and lower portions of fronts of cluster box mail delivery receptacles
US7428447B2 (en) 2005-09-26 2008-09-23 Innovative Product Achievements, Inc. Inventory management systems
US20080297344A1 (en) * 2007-06-01 2008-12-04 Ping-Jan Yang Method for controlling security truck door locker and structure for controlling secrurity truck door locker
US20100280878A1 (en) * 2009-04-30 2010-11-04 Wilson Matthew J System and method for managing, reconciling, balancing, and forecasting financial media in self-service devices
WO2011036498A2 (en) 2009-09-28 2011-03-31 Bybox Holdings Limited Automated collection point
US20110238210A1 (en) * 2010-03-25 2011-09-29 The Coca-Cola Company Vending Systems and Methods
US20110238209A1 (en) * 2010-03-25 2011-09-29 The Coca-Cola Company Vending Systems and Methods
US8967361B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2015-03-03 Outerwall Inc. Coin counting and sorting machines
US9022841B2 (en) 2013-05-08 2015-05-05 Outerwall Inc. Coin counting and/or sorting machines and associated systems and methods
US9036890B2 (en) 2012-06-05 2015-05-19 Outerwall Inc. Optical coin discrimination systems and methods for use with consumer-operated kiosks and the like
EP2891433A1 (en) * 2014-01-06 2015-07-08 Neopost Technologies Secure locker system for the deposition and retrieval of shipments
EP2892031A1 (en) * 2014-01-06 2015-07-08 Neopost Technologies Hybrid secure locker system for mailing, deposition and retrieval of shipments
US9211025B1 (en) * 2014-10-10 2015-12-15 Walid Elhawwashy Postal cube
EP2960871A1 (en) * 2014-06-23 2015-12-30 Parcelhome Limited Delivery and collection apparatus, method and system
EP2977938A1 (en) * 2014-07-23 2016-01-27 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Selecting best-fit digital lockers for packages
CN105488921A (zh) * 2016-01-17 2016-04-13 赵忠义 一种快递柜包裹自动提醒装置
US9443367B2 (en) 2014-01-17 2016-09-13 Outerwall Inc. Digital image coin discrimination for use with consumer-operated kiosks and the like
WO2016173295A1 (zh) * 2015-04-30 2016-11-03 韦涛 物流架及其使用方法
CN106296921A (zh) * 2016-08-11 2017-01-04 武汉三车科技有限公司 超大容量智能快递柜的控制方法及系统
USD785274S1 (en) * 2005-06-29 2017-04-25 United States Postal Service Cluster box mail delivery unit
EP2740109B1 (de) * 2011-08-04 2017-07-26 SES-imagotag Deutschland GmbH Warenautomat
USD795524S1 (en) * 2016-04-07 2017-08-22 United States Postal Service Parcel locker
US10117536B2 (en) * 2015-11-19 2018-11-06 Neopost Technologies Automatic door closing device for secure locker system
US10127415B2 (en) 2016-01-06 2018-11-13 Neopost Technologies UHF RFID device for communicating with UHF RFID tags within a small cavity
JP2018194962A (ja) * 2017-05-15 2018-12-06 東芝テック株式会社 運送受付システム
US10242522B2 (en) 2014-08-04 2019-03-26 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Electronic locker
US20190147681A1 (en) * 2017-11-14 2019-05-16 VLocker PTY, LTD Dual Access Ride Lockers
US10297133B2 (en) * 2017-06-22 2019-05-21 Bart Waclawik Mail delivery wireless notification system
US10370134B2 (en) 2014-01-31 2019-08-06 Neopost Technologies Hand-held handle dispenser
US10549942B2 (en) 2015-07-20 2020-02-04 Neopost Technologies Hand-held handle dispenser
US10755223B2 (en) 2016-12-28 2020-08-25 Industrial Technology Research Institute Logistic station and method for logistic
USD912924S1 (en) * 2019-05-09 2021-03-09 Cleveron As Personal parcel locker
USD918525S1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2021-05-04 Digilock Asia Ltd. Parcel locker
US11042833B2 (en) 2017-01-06 2021-06-22 Quadient Technologies France Automated autovalidating locker system
USD926419S1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2021-07-27 Digilock Asia Ltd. Parcel locker
USD927119S1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2021-08-03 Digilock Asia Ltd. Parcel locker
USD927820S1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2021-08-10 Digilock Asia Ltd. Parcel locker
USD939180S1 (en) * 2019-06-24 2021-12-21 Bryce D. Barber Parcel post lock box bench
US11227456B1 (en) * 2020-09-16 2022-01-18 Nicholas Carter Peer to peer sale locker apparatus
USD973997S1 (en) * 2022-01-11 2022-12-27 Jian Xiao Storage cabinet
USD974697S1 (en) * 2022-01-11 2023-01-03 Jian Xiao Storage cabinet
US11587382B1 (en) * 2021-04-12 2023-02-21 Quinn Valentine Package delivery system and method of use
US11615667B2 (en) 2019-04-30 2023-03-28 Digilock Asia Ltd. Locker system for storage and delivery of packages
USD983477S1 (en) * 2020-03-09 2023-04-11 United States Postal Service Post box
US11690924B1 (en) 2019-04-30 2023-07-04 Digilock Asia Ltd. Locker system for storage and delivery of packages
USD1017950S1 (en) * 2021-12-17 2024-03-12 Gm Cruise Holdings Llc Locker
EP4455962A1 (de) * 2023-04-26 2024-10-30 Deutsche Post AG Modul zum bestimmen einer versandoption
US12180769B2 (en) 2020-04-27 2024-12-31 Carter-Hoffmann, Llc Door movement system for cabinet

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2582577B2 (ja) * 1987-07-02 1997-02-19 株式会社 高見沢サイバネティックス 宅配荷物取次ぎ装置
JPH074714Y2 (ja) * 1988-05-27 1995-02-01 株式会社高見沢サイバネティックス 宅配荷物受付機
JPH08258917A (ja) * 1995-03-20 1996-10-08 Sanki Eng Co Ltd 自動仕分収納装置
JP4163354B2 (ja) * 1999-11-01 2008-10-08 ケイエステクノ株式会社 レンタル用収納ケース
CN103984249A (zh) * 2014-04-28 2014-08-13 南京云柜网络技术有限公司 云柜独立取件装置及独立取件方法
JP6507451B2 (ja) * 2015-09-11 2019-05-08 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 宅配物測定装置

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2812904A (en) * 1950-12-21 1957-11-12 Continental Electrolog Corp Equipment for rating packages by various parameters including volume, weight, density and zone
US3436968A (en) * 1965-02-11 1969-04-08 Fairbanks Morse Inc Processing control system
US3854656A (en) * 1972-09-11 1974-12-17 B Bishop Postal drop box
US4024380A (en) * 1971-01-18 1977-05-17 Damon Mott Gunn Self service postal apparatus and method
US4509676A (en) * 1983-12-20 1985-04-09 Hss Industries, Inc. Rotary post office box and equipment enclosure
US4598810A (en) * 1984-04-17 1986-07-08 Abm Industries, Inc. Apparatus and method for vending and accepting return of re-usable articles

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2812904A (en) * 1950-12-21 1957-11-12 Continental Electrolog Corp Equipment for rating packages by various parameters including volume, weight, density and zone
US3436968A (en) * 1965-02-11 1969-04-08 Fairbanks Morse Inc Processing control system
US4024380A (en) * 1971-01-18 1977-05-17 Damon Mott Gunn Self service postal apparatus and method
US3854656A (en) * 1972-09-11 1974-12-17 B Bishop Postal drop box
US4509676A (en) * 1983-12-20 1985-04-09 Hss Industries, Inc. Rotary post office box and equipment enclosure
US4598810A (en) * 1984-04-17 1986-07-08 Abm Industries, Inc. Apparatus and method for vending and accepting return of re-usable articles

Cited By (128)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4971221A (en) * 1988-11-23 1990-11-20 Aprex Corporation Drug dispenser having means for detecting dispensing events
WO1990005684A1 (en) * 1988-11-23 1990-05-31 Aprex Corporation Drug dispenser having means for detecting dispensing events
EP0452190A1 (fr) * 1990-04-11 1991-10-16 Mors Système de rangement à casiers adjacents utilisé notamment dans des gares ou des aéroports
FR2661021A1 (fr) * 1990-04-11 1991-10-18 Mors Systeme de rangement a casiers adjacents utilise notamment dans des gares ou des aeroports.
EP0503311A3 (en) * 1991-03-09 1994-11-23 Francotyp Postalia Gmbh Method and device for processing mail
US6477514B1 (en) * 1991-04-01 2002-11-05 Pi Electronics Corp. Automated self-service mail processing and storing systems
US5586037A (en) * 1991-04-01 1996-12-17 Pi Electronics, Inc. Automated self-service mail processing and storing systems
US5656799A (en) * 1991-04-10 1997-08-12 U-Ship, Inc. Automated package shipping machine
US5369221A (en) * 1991-04-10 1994-11-29 U-Ship, Usa, Ltd. System for mailing and collecting items
AU665759B2 (en) * 1991-04-10 1996-01-18 U-Ship, Inc System for mailing and collecting items
US5340948A (en) * 1991-04-10 1994-08-23 U-Ship, Usa Ltd. System for mailing and collecting items
WO1992018949A1 (en) * 1991-04-10 1992-10-29 U-Ship International, Ltd. System for mailing and collecting items
US5831220A (en) * 1991-04-10 1998-11-03 U-Ship, Inc. Automated package shipping machine
US5233532A (en) * 1991-04-10 1993-08-03 U-Ship Usa, Ltd. System for mailing and collecting items
US6105014A (en) * 1991-04-10 2000-08-15 United Shipping & Technology, Inc. Automated package shipping machine
US20040089482A1 (en) * 1991-04-10 2004-05-13 Uship Intellectual Properties, Llc Automated package shipping machine
US20080133372A1 (en) * 1991-04-10 2008-06-05 Ramsden Gary W Automated package shipping machine
US6917924B1 (en) 1991-04-10 2005-07-12 Uship Intellectual Properties, Llc Automated package shipping machine
USD374966S (en) 1994-10-17 1996-10-22 Nanette Matassa Beach safe
US20050016815A1 (en) * 1996-06-28 2005-01-27 Martin Douglas Alan Coin discrimination apparatus and method
US7520374B2 (en) * 1996-06-28 2009-04-21 Coinstar, Inc. Coin discrimination apparatus and method
US20090166151A1 (en) * 1996-06-28 2009-07-02 Douglas Alan Martin Coin discrimination apparatus and method
US20070240967A1 (en) * 1996-06-28 2007-10-18 Martin Douglas A Coin discrimination apparatus and method
US7213697B2 (en) * 1996-06-28 2007-05-08 Coinstar, Inc. Coin discrimination apparatus and method
US6146274A (en) * 1997-11-21 2000-11-14 Aurora Gaming Cabinet and hopper combination for gaming machines including a controller and monitor for opening and closing thereof
US6539360B1 (en) 1999-02-05 2003-03-25 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Special handling processing in a package transportation system
USD419747S (en) 1999-03-22 2000-01-25 Can-Am Marketing Corporation, Inc. Cluster box unit
WO2001037712A3 (en) * 1999-11-24 2002-01-03 Brivo Systems Inc Method for outbound shipment of packages direct from home or office using an unattended transfer device
US20060090909A1 (en) * 1999-12-06 2006-05-04 Carter Odie K System, method, and computer program for managing storage and distribution of money tills or other items
US20060060363A2 (en) * 1999-12-06 2006-03-23 Balance Innovations, Llc System, method, and computer program for managing storage distribution of money tills
US7366681B2 (en) * 1999-12-06 2008-04-29 Balance Innovations, L.L.C System, method, and computer program for managing storage distribution of money tills
US20050211450A1 (en) * 1999-12-06 2005-09-29 Carter Odie K System, method, and computer program for managing storage distribution of money tills
KR100464472B1 (ko) * 2000-02-01 2004-12-31 가부시키 가이샤 풀타임 시스템 로커에 의한 자동 결제 시스템
US6685284B2 (en) * 2000-02-28 2004-02-03 Kabushiki Kaisha Fulltime System Unlock system of particular locker
US20010017507A1 (en) * 2000-02-28 2001-08-30 Kabushiki Kaisha Fulltime System Unlock system of particular locker
US6644455B2 (en) * 2000-05-12 2003-11-11 Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Rental system, machine and method for providing rental items
WO2002007021A3 (en) * 2000-07-10 2003-10-02 Bybox Holdings Ltd System and method for facilitating receipt and collection of goods ordered from online retailers
US20020016715A1 (en) * 2000-08-01 2002-02-07 Razumov Sergey N. Purchase check-out arrangement in retail system
US7558743B2 (en) * 2000-08-01 2009-07-07 Razumov Sergey N System for purchase check-out arrangement in retail system
US20020019783A1 (en) * 2000-08-12 2002-02-14 Lg Electronics Inc. Goods delivery system and operating method thereof
US20020032572A1 (en) * 2000-09-08 2002-03-14 Takashi Ikemori Home delivery method, home-delivery server and recording medium
US20020103724A1 (en) * 2000-12-01 2002-08-01 Stephen Huxter Courier independent system and method for the delivery of goods ordered by the internet
US20020107820A1 (en) * 2000-12-01 2002-08-08 Stephen Huxter Single courier model for the delivery of goods ordered by the internet
US20040220697A1 (en) * 2001-10-23 2004-11-04 Chavez Jeffrey Arrey Controlled inventory device and method using pressure transducer
US6694221B2 (en) * 2001-10-23 2004-02-17 Dispensesource, Inc. Controlled inventory device and method using pressure transducer
US7092789B2 (en) 2001-10-23 2006-08-15 Dispensesource, Inc. Controlled inventory device and method using pressure transducer
US6970855B2 (en) 2002-01-29 2005-11-29 Pitney Bowes Inc. Method and system for enterprise-level unassisted customer shipping
US20030217018A1 (en) * 2002-05-17 2003-11-20 Groff Jason J. System and method for conducting a shipping transaction
US6745933B2 (en) * 2002-06-05 2004-06-08 Robin G. Liphard Method for providing a pre-security depository
KR20040027031A (ko) * 2002-09-27 2004-04-01 가부시키 가이샤 풀타임 시스템 로커 시스템 및 로커 이용 요금 청구 방법
US20040073454A1 (en) * 2002-10-10 2004-04-15 John Urquhart System and method of portal-mediated, website-based analysis of medication dosing
US7742928B2 (en) 2003-05-09 2010-06-22 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. System for resolving distressed shipments
US20100223196A1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2010-09-02 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. System for Resolving Distressed Shipments
US20040225624A1 (en) * 2003-05-09 2004-11-11 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. System for resolving distressed shipments
US8249998B2 (en) 2003-05-09 2012-08-21 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. System for resolving distressed shipments
US20030191662A1 (en) * 2003-05-13 2003-10-09 Segrest Timothy Sean System and method of mailing
US20040267640A1 (en) * 2003-06-26 2004-12-30 United Parcel Service Of America, Inc. Inventory management utilizing unattended pick up and return systems with a service parts facility
FR2858448A1 (fr) * 2003-07-29 2005-02-04 E Box Dispositif de consigne et procede de surveillance d'un objet dans ce dispositif de consigne
WO2005076236A3 (fr) * 2004-01-08 2005-12-08 E Box Sarl Dispositif d'affranchissement de colis et methode de mise en oeuvre d'un tel dispositif
US20090119232A1 (en) * 2004-01-08 2009-05-07 E-Box Sarl Parcel franking device and method using same
FR2865061A1 (fr) * 2004-01-08 2005-07-15 E Box Dispositif d'affranchissement de colis et methode de mise en oeuvre d'un tel dispositif
USD536155S1 (en) 2004-06-29 2007-01-30 Mikolajczyk Ryszard K Portions of central connector post and locking elements associated therewith for cluster box mail delivery receptacles
USD543335S1 (en) 2004-06-29 2007-05-22 Mikolajczyk Ryszard K Portions of master door locking components of cluster box mail delivery receptacles
USD549424S1 (en) 2004-06-29 2007-08-21 Mikolajczyk Ryszard K Upper and lower portions of fronts of cluster box mail delivery receptacles
USD547025S1 (en) 2004-06-29 2007-07-17 Mikolajczyk Ryszard K Exterior portions of guard assemblies for parcel door locking systems of cluster box unit mail delivery receptacles
USD785274S1 (en) * 2005-06-29 2017-04-25 United States Postal Service Cluster box mail delivery unit
USD821679S1 (en) 2005-06-29 2018-06-26 United States Postal Service Cluster box mail delivery unit
USD855929S1 (en) 2005-06-29 2019-08-06 United States Postal Service Cluster box mail delivery unit
USD871713S1 (en) 2005-06-29 2019-12-31 The United States Postal Service Cluster box mail delivery unit
US7428447B2 (en) 2005-09-26 2008-09-23 Innovative Product Achievements, Inc. Inventory management systems
US7675415B2 (en) * 2007-06-01 2010-03-09 Ping-Jan Yang Method for controlling security truck door locker and structure for controlling security truck door locker
US20080297344A1 (en) * 2007-06-01 2008-12-04 Ping-Jan Yang Method for controlling security truck door locker and structure for controlling secrurity truck door locker
US20100280878A1 (en) * 2009-04-30 2010-11-04 Wilson Matthew J System and method for managing, reconciling, balancing, and forecasting financial media in self-service devices
US20120194043A1 (en) * 2009-09-28 2012-08-02 Daniel Turner Automated collection point
WO2011036498A2 (en) 2009-09-28 2011-03-31 Bybox Holdings Limited Automated collection point
US9082247B2 (en) * 2009-09-28 2015-07-14 Bybox Holdings Limited Automated collection point
WO2011119718A1 (en) * 2010-03-25 2011-09-29 The Coca-Cola Company Vending systems and methods
US20110238209A1 (en) * 2010-03-25 2011-09-29 The Coca-Cola Company Vending Systems and Methods
US20110238210A1 (en) * 2010-03-25 2011-09-29 The Coca-Cola Company Vending Systems and Methods
EP2740109B1 (de) * 2011-08-04 2017-07-26 SES-imagotag Deutschland GmbH Warenautomat
US9036890B2 (en) 2012-06-05 2015-05-19 Outerwall Inc. Optical coin discrimination systems and methods for use with consumer-operated kiosks and the like
US9594982B2 (en) 2012-06-05 2017-03-14 Coinstar, Llc Optical coin discrimination systems and methods for use with consumer-operated kiosks and the like
US8967361B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2015-03-03 Outerwall Inc. Coin counting and sorting machines
US9022841B2 (en) 2013-05-08 2015-05-05 Outerwall Inc. Coin counting and/or sorting machines and associated systems and methods
EP2892031A1 (en) * 2014-01-06 2015-07-08 Neopost Technologies Hybrid secure locker system for mailing, deposition and retrieval of shipments
US10776749B2 (en) 2014-01-06 2020-09-15 Neopost Technologies Secure locker system for the deposition and retrieval of shipments
EP2891433A1 (en) * 2014-01-06 2015-07-08 Neopost Technologies Secure locker system for the deposition and retrieval of shipments
US10643172B2 (en) 2014-01-06 2020-05-05 Neopost Technologies Hybrid secure locker system for mailing, deposition and retrieval of shipments
US9443367B2 (en) 2014-01-17 2016-09-13 Outerwall Inc. Digital image coin discrimination for use with consumer-operated kiosks and the like
US10370134B2 (en) 2014-01-31 2019-08-06 Neopost Technologies Hand-held handle dispenser
EP2960871A1 (en) * 2014-06-23 2015-12-30 Parcelhome Limited Delivery and collection apparatus, method and system
EP2977938A1 (en) * 2014-07-23 2016-01-27 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Selecting best-fit digital lockers for packages
US10242522B2 (en) 2014-08-04 2019-03-26 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Electronic locker
US9211025B1 (en) * 2014-10-10 2015-12-15 Walid Elhawwashy Postal cube
WO2016173295A1 (zh) * 2015-04-30 2016-11-03 韦涛 物流架及其使用方法
US10213038B2 (en) 2015-04-30 2019-02-26 Tao Wei Logistics rack and application method thereof
US10549942B2 (en) 2015-07-20 2020-02-04 Neopost Technologies Hand-held handle dispenser
US10117536B2 (en) * 2015-11-19 2018-11-06 Neopost Technologies Automatic door closing device for secure locker system
US10127415B2 (en) 2016-01-06 2018-11-13 Neopost Technologies UHF RFID device for communicating with UHF RFID tags within a small cavity
CN105488921A (zh) * 2016-01-17 2016-04-13 赵忠义 一种快递柜包裹自动提醒装置
USD795524S1 (en) * 2016-04-07 2017-08-22 United States Postal Service Parcel locker
CN106296921A (zh) * 2016-08-11 2017-01-04 武汉三车科技有限公司 超大容量智能快递柜的控制方法及系统
US10755223B2 (en) 2016-12-28 2020-08-25 Industrial Technology Research Institute Logistic station and method for logistic
US11042833B2 (en) 2017-01-06 2021-06-22 Quadient Technologies France Automated autovalidating locker system
JP2018194962A (ja) * 2017-05-15 2018-12-06 東芝テック株式会社 運送受付システム
US10297133B2 (en) * 2017-06-22 2019-05-21 Bart Waclawik Mail delivery wireless notification system
US10607433B2 (en) * 2017-11-14 2020-03-31 Vlocker Pty Ltd Dual access ride lockers
US20190147681A1 (en) * 2017-11-14 2019-05-16 VLocker PTY, LTD Dual Access Ride Lockers
US11690924B1 (en) 2019-04-30 2023-07-04 Digilock Asia Ltd. Locker system for storage and delivery of packages
US11615667B2 (en) 2019-04-30 2023-03-28 Digilock Asia Ltd. Locker system for storage and delivery of packages
USD912924S1 (en) * 2019-05-09 2021-03-09 Cleveron As Personal parcel locker
USD939180S1 (en) * 2019-06-24 2021-12-21 Bryce D. Barber Parcel post lock box bench
USD927820S1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2021-08-10 Digilock Asia Ltd. Parcel locker
USD926419S1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2021-07-27 Digilock Asia Ltd. Parcel locker
USD918525S1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2021-05-04 Digilock Asia Ltd. Parcel locker
USD927119S1 (en) * 2019-07-16 2021-08-03 Digilock Asia Ltd. Parcel locker
USD983477S1 (en) * 2020-03-09 2023-04-11 United States Postal Service Post box
USD1002989S1 (en) 2020-03-09 2023-10-24 United States Postal Service Post box
US12180769B2 (en) 2020-04-27 2024-12-31 Carter-Hoffmann, Llc Door movement system for cabinet
US12366103B2 (en) 2020-04-27 2025-07-22 Carter-Hoffmann LLC Door movement system for cabinet
US12326029B2 (en) 2020-04-27 2025-06-10 Carter-Hoffmann LLC Door movement system for cabinet
US12247431B2 (en) 2020-04-27 2025-03-11 Carter-Hoffmann LLC Door movement system for cabinet
US11227456B1 (en) * 2020-09-16 2022-01-18 Nicholas Carter Peer to peer sale locker apparatus
US11587382B1 (en) * 2021-04-12 2023-02-21 Quinn Valentine Package delivery system and method of use
USD1017950S1 (en) * 2021-12-17 2024-03-12 Gm Cruise Holdings Llc Locker
USD974697S1 (en) * 2022-01-11 2023-01-03 Jian Xiao Storage cabinet
USD973997S1 (en) * 2022-01-11 2022-12-27 Jian Xiao Storage cabinet
EP4455962A1 (de) * 2023-04-26 2024-10-30 Deutsche Post AG Modul zum bestimmen einer versandoption

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS63257866A (ja) 1988-10-25
JPH0583949B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1993-11-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4836352A (en) Express package collection locker
US3798603A (en) Business transaction apparatus
US5686713A (en) Apparatus and method for allowing a money order purchase via an ATM
EP0643374B1 (en) Electronic franking system comprising a mail handling mechanism
CA2189159C (en) Improved system for mailing and collecting items
EP0579717B1 (en) System and method for mailing and collecting items
US9934640B2 (en) System, method and apparatus for repurposing currency
JP2603807Y2 (ja) 代金支払システム
US6822550B1 (en) Intelligent rolled coin dispenser
US6459954B1 (en) Arrangement for dispensing luggage pushcarts in mass transportation facilities
JPH08276988A (ja) 郵便ポスト及びこれを用いた郵便ポストシステム
JP2827145B2 (ja) ユニットブロック組替式設置形態可変セルフサービス機
JP2001307179A (ja) 自動料金精算機
KR100283820B1 (ko) 개찰업무통합관리시스템
JP2828273B2 (ja) 自動座席指定券発売装置
JPS63189988A (ja) 自動釣銭装置
JPH08194872A (ja) 自動代金受払方法およびその装置
WO2001004704A1 (en) Automatic machine for dispensing photographic items and the like
JPH09198559A (ja) 貨幣受収機器の受収貨幣回収システム
JP2025006668A (ja) 無人販売システムの制御方法
JP2025006669A (ja) 無人販売システムの決済方法
JPH02308385A (ja) 物品収納装置
JPS62262196A (ja) 金銭管理システム
JPS5844271B2 (ja) 店舗の販売設備
JPH09212558A (ja) 食堂システム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: U P L COMPANY LIMITED., 6-13-30, EKIMINAMI-CHO, OY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:TATENO, KUNIO;SHIMOTORI, YOSHIO;REEL/FRAME:004895/0182;SIGNING DATES FROM 19880609 TO 19880610

Owner name: KOTO ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., 603-2, HIGASHIUSHIGAYA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:TATENO, KUNIO;SHIMOTORI, YOSHIO;REEL/FRAME:004895/0182;SIGNING DATES FROM 19880609 TO 19880610

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

CC Certificate of correction
FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYER NUMBER DE-ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: RMPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 19930606

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362